Bob Dole and Jack Kemp yesterday brought their something-for-everyone message to an enthusiastic and partisan crowd at a sweltering park in this Republican stronghold.

Reprising the main themes of last week's successful convention, Dole promised $548 billion in tax cuts, a rejuvenated educational system and a crackdown on illegal drugs and other crimes if he wins the White House.

He lingered on a school-choice plan dubbed "Opportunity Scholarships." It would blendfederal and state money so parents could send their child to a school they select, even if it is non-public.

Dole said the plan would cost federal taxpayers $12 billion to $15 billion and then -- as he did several times in his speech -- struck a defensive tone even as he talked it up.

"We're not going to threaten public schools," Dole said. "We're going to have a little competition."

Discussing his economic plan earlier, Dole declared: "We're going to do what's right --balance the budget and cut taxes. You can do both."

But the message underlying his speech -- and the theme that seemed to click best with listeners interviewed -- was Dole's promise to restore trust and integrity to the White House.

Tracie Daly, 29, of Drexel Hill said she decided to vote for any Republican candidate about a year ago because of the many scandals tied to the Democratic Clinton administration. "I'm just fed up with it," she said.

Daly voted for Bush in 1992 but has yet to register this year. Of Dole, she said: "Clearly he's the lesser of two evils. I just feel more comfortable with Dole."

The Dole/Kemp team's visit here -- its second in Pennsylvania this week -- underscored the state's importance in the fall election. Dole asked this Delaware County crowd point-blank to help him win the vote-rich suburban Philadelphia counties.

A small party of Democrats took advantage of the event to huddle with the assembled press corps and criticize the GOP ticket on an issue important to the all-important senior vote.

Democratic State Committee Chairman Mark Singel derided Dole's tax package as "a $550 billion gift that we all know just isn't going to add up. What we're asking is that (Dole) answer one simple question -- who's going to pay for it? Where's the money going to come from?"

The Democrats and their allies warned that Dole's economic plan would squeeze popular programs such as Social Security and Medicare even though Dole has pledged to leave those programs alone.

"We are the truth squad," declared Martin Berger, Eastern coordinator for the National Council of Senior Citizens, "and we're going to follow these fellows wherever they go."

But retiree Marie Shanahan of Springfield, a Dole supporter who came to hear him speak, rejected the Democratic concerns.

"Last year they (Democrats) warned the people about Medicare -- we got a raise in January," Shanahan said. "So they're just talking. It's just a scare."

Standing in shirtsleeves on a red, white and blue stage and from a podium framed by balloons and a high school marching band, Dole himself called on Pennsylvania to reject Democratic television ads as "Mediscare" tactics.

Dole got big applause when he outlined his plan for an across-the-board 15 percent cut in federal tax rates, $500 tax credits for the parents of children and a halving of the capital gains rate.

"We're going to make (the tax code) flatter, fairer and simpler, and we're going to end the IRS as we know it," Dole said, adding, "This is for the American people, not the rich."

Dole said his supply-side economic plan -- similar to ones he criticized harshly during the 1980s over deficit concerns -- would work this time as long as a Republican controls the White House and the Congress.

"It's merely a matter of presidential will," he said, sounding a signature campaign line. "If you have it, you can do it. I have it, and I will do it."

Dole criticized Clinton several times for the pace of the national economy, for an increase in teenage drug use, for enacting "the largest tax increase in history," and for a mind-set that he said holds government over individuals.

"Our message is very simple," Dole said. "This country can do better."

Earlier, Gov. Tom Ridge introduced Kemp as "a man with a passion for ideas and a passion for people." Kemp, after throwing mock passes to the crowd, called Dole "a man who can restore the American dream."

Dole and Kemp stressed that Clinton and Vice President Al Gore are their opponents, not their enemies. But U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa., took a harder edge.

"Bill Clinton is a liar and we've got to remove the liar from the White House," Weldon said as he prepped the crowd for Dole's appearance.